Public Media Bracing For Friday Senate Vote

Congress is set to vote by Friday on a White House rescission package that would cut over $500 million annually in federal funding to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which supports public radio and TV stations nationwide. President Trump has pushed for the cuts, threatening to withhold support from Republican lawmakers who oppose the proposal.

If passed, the cuts would begin in October, severely impacting local stations, many of which rely on CPB for over 50% of their budgets. NPR and PBS, which receive a smaller portion of federal funds, would likely survive but face adjustments, reports The NY Times.

NPR's Katherine Maher

Smaller stations, like those in Alaska where up to 95% of funding comes from CPB, could shut down, according to Ed Ulman, head of Alaska Public Media. Ulman noted that educational programs tied to shows like “Molly of Denali” and “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood” would be among the first cut.

Local programming, including South Dakota Public Broadcasting’s interviews with lawmakers, historical documentaries, and high school sports coverage, would also be at risk, as local content is costlier than national programming, said spokesperson Ms. Overgaard. 

NPR’s Katherine Maher warned of potential staff cuts, while PBS’s Paula Kerger called the impact “significant,” with plans to assess next steps if the cuts pass.

Some hope philanthropists could step in, with Marc Hand of the Public Media Venture Group suggesting foundations might acquire struggling stations, as seen with newspapers. 

Neal Zuckerman of Boston Consulting Group estimated that sustaining local journalism would require a $20 billion endowment to generate $1 billion annually. He emphasized public media’s role as an “essential service” and the need for sustainable funding if federal support ends.

Sean Hannity To Host "Wanted: Dead Or Alive' On Fox Nation

Sean Hannity will host an all-new season of his historical drama series for FOX Nation, “Wanted: Dead or Alive,” announced the streaming service’s president Lauren Petterson. Set to premiere on Wednesday, July 16th, new episodes will be released weekly and tackle the stories of the infamous John Dillinger, Bonnie and Clyde, Baby Face Nelson, and Ma Barker.

In commenting on the series, Hannity said, “In the shadows of the Great Depression, outlaws cemented their names into history as America’s most wanted. I’m thrilled to further this series and share the stories that ultimately defined a generation.”

A continuation of his 2024 FOX Nation series “Outlaws and Lawmen,” Hannity will transport viewers back to The Great Depression as it devastated the nation, and the fast times and easy money of the roaring ‘20s became a faded memory. With bank foreclosures and millions out of work, a new brand of outlaw was born. They rob banks, pull off daring kidnappings and shoot their way into American folklore and one by one, enter the crosshairs of J. Edgar Hoover and the FBI. Each episode will feature a single character or duo’s story in a journey that re-imagines this volatile era.

As the longest-running prime time cable news host in history, Hannity has been known for his provocative style and passionate connection with his audience over the course of his 29 years at FNC. Each night, his primetime program features a signature monologue where he breaks down trending topics of the day, followed by headline-generating interviews. Garnering the highest viewership among cable news in his timeslot, Hannity has averaged 3.3 million viewers and more than 400,000 viewers in the 25-54 demo viewers year-to-date, routinely ranking as one of the top cable shows overall. Ranked by Talkers Magazine as the number one talk radio host in the country, Hannity also hosts an eponymous radio show on 750 stations where he is listened to by more than 20 million people a week.

Hannity also is the host of “Sean,” a long-form interview program for FOX Nation, featuring in-depth sit-down interviews with a variety of guests spanning the world of sports, entertainment, and politics. Since its launch in December 2024, guests have included Sylvester and Jennifer Flavin Stallone, Stephen A. Smith, Mike Tyson, Gary Brecka and Jillian Michaels.

Radio History: July 15

➦In 1913... Lloyd Estel Copas born (Died at age 49 – March 5, 1963).  He is known by his stage name Cowboy Copas, and was a country music singer popular from the 1940s until his death in the 1963 plane crash that also killed country stars Patsy Cline and Hawkshaw Hawkins. He was a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

Copas was born in 1913 in Blue Creek, Ohio, in Adams County. He began performing locally at age 14, and appeared on WLW-AM and WKRC-AM in Cincinnati during the 1930s. In 1940 he moved to Knoxville, Tennessee, where he performed on WNOX-AM with his band, the Gold Star Rangers.

In 1943, Copas achieved national fame when he replaced Eddy Arnold as a vocalist in the Pee Wee King band and began performing on the Grand Ole Opry. His first solo single, "Filipino Baby", released by King Records in 1946, hit No. 4 on the Billboard country chart and sparked the most successful period of his career.

➦In 1929...“Music and the Spoken Word” debuted on KSL Salt Lake City.  It is still on the air today, the oldest continuous nationwide network broadcast in the world.  It is a 30-minute of inspiring messages and music produced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints; the music is performed by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

Jocko Henderson

➦In 2000…Radio personality Douglas “Jocko” Henderson - WOV, WADO died.

Henderson began his broadcast career in 1952 at Baltimore station WSID, and in 1953 began broadcasting in Philadelphia on WHAT.  He hosted a show called "Rocket Ship" out of New York radio stations WOV and WADO from 1954 to 1964, which was an early conduit for rock & roll.

He was known for a distinctive style of rhythmic patter in his radio voice, which he had learned from a Baltimore deejay, Maurice "Hot Rod" Hulbert.   Henderson continued on the stations WDAS and WHAT until 1974, as a personality  in Philadelphia and New York as well as hosting concerts in both cities and a TV music program in New York. 

In addition to Philadelphia, New York, and Baltimore, Henderson was also broadcast on stations in St. Louis, Detroit, Miami, and Boston.

The Epic Streaming Showdown Heats Up!

Picture this: Netflix, the undisputed king of streaming, once laughed off the idea of rivals. Co-founder Reed Hastings famously claimed they were battling your urge to hit the bar or catch some Z’s. But now? 

There’s no dodging the 800-pound gorilla in the room—YouTube.  It’s game on, and the fight for your TV screen is a straight-up clash of titans!

“That ‘no rivals’ talk? Cute, but not the real deal,” says Jason Kilar, former Hulu and WarnerMedia CEO.

“The cold, hard truth? YouTube’s eating Netflix’s lunch.”

The NY Times reports the streaming wars have leveled up. It’s no longer just about racking up subscribers—now it’s a battle for your time. And in this arena, YouTube and Netflix are leaving everyone else in the dust. 

In May 2025, they owned 20% of all U.S. TV viewing—YouTube flexing at 12.5%, Netflix holding strong at 7.5%, according to Nielsen. Compare that to Disney’s trio of Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+, scraping together just 5%. 

Oh, and YouTube’s pulling away fast: two years ago, it barely nudged past Netflix by half a point; now, it’s a whopping five points ahead!

So, how’d we get here? These two giants are playing wildly different games. YouTube’s a freewheeling content jungle—cat videos, vlogs, and tutorials galore—while Netflix bets big on polished, premium shows and movies. But make no mistake, they’re locked in a cage match for your attention. 

Netflix is even sliding into YouTube’s DMs, sweet-talking creators with promises of a better deal. Meanwhile, execs from both sides are throwing shade in public, each claiming their model’s the future.It’s a high-stakes showdown, and your remote is the prize. 

Will YouTube’s endless buffet of bite-sized clips keep you hooked? Or will Netflix’s cinematic swagger win your binge-watching heart? Grab some popcorn—this war’s just getting started!

Supporters Of Public Media Defend Funding

Supporters of public media, including the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and National Public Radio (NPR), have been actively mobilizing to defend these outlets against recent threats of defunding, particularly in response to actions from the Trump administration and Republican-led congressional efforts in 2025. 

Advocacy Campaigns

Protect My Public Media: This action network has been a key player in organizing resistance to funding cuts. They collaborate with over 400 public media stations, national organizations, programming producers, and individuals to campaign against a $1.1 billion rescissions package that would eliminate federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which supports PBS and NPR. 

Their efforts include:

• Urging supporters to contact lawmakers, especially those on the Senate Appropriations Committee, to oppose the rescissions package. They provide tools to easily send emails to senators, such as Utah’s Senators Mike Lee and John Curtis.
• Encouraging individuals to share personal stories through short videos about what public media means to them, amplifying these messages to expand outreach.
• Releasing television ads in Republican states with undecided senators to sway votes against defunding.
• American Coalition for Public Radio: This group also facilitates advocacy by encouraging supporters to contact lawmakers to preserve federal funding for public radio stations, emphasizing the role of local stations like KPCW in providing essential services.

Lobbying on Capitol Hill: In May 2025, nearly 200 public radio station officials visited Capitol Hill to lobby lawmakers, emphasizing the value of public media in delivering local news, emergency alerts, and educational programming. They highlighted the role of stations in filling gaps left by declining local news outlets, particularly in rural areas.

Station managers, such as those at Blue Ridge Public Radio in North Carolina and Pioneer PBS in Minnesota, have made direct pleas to congressional delegations, emphasizing the "catastrophic" impact of losing federal funding, which can account for up to 30–50% of some stations’ budgets.

Legal Challenges

Lawsuits Against Executive Actions: In response to President Trump’s May 1, 2025, executive order (Executive Order 14290) directing the CPB to cease funding NPR and PBS, both organizations, along with local stations, have filed lawsuits:

• On May 27, NPR and three Colorado public radio stations sued the Trump administration, arguing that the executive order violates the First Amendment and exceeds presidential authority under the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967.
• On May 30, PBS and Minnesota’s Lakeland PBS filed a similar lawsuit, alleging the order constitutes "viewpoint discrimination" and infringes on their editorial discretion.
• The CPB itself has challenged the administration, asserting that it is an independent nonprofit not subject to presidential directives and that the order is illegal.

CPB Board Dispute: The CPB is also suing the Trump administration over the alleged illegal firing of three board members, which supporters argue is an attempt to control the organization’s operations.

Supporters of PBS and NPR are employing a multi-faceted strategy to defend public media, combining grassroots advocacy, legal challenges, public messaging, and financial contingency planning. These efforts aim to preserve the federal funding that constitutes a small but critical portion of public media budgets (1% for NPR, 15% for PBS, but up to 50% for smaller stations). The outcome of the July 18 Senate vote on the rescissions package and ongoing lawsuits will be pivotal in determining the future of public media in the U.S.

Dan Patrick: Forget Ratings, It's All About Going Viral

In a candid interview on Barstool Sports’ Pardon My Take, legendary broadcaster Dan Patrick delivered a scathing critique of the state of sports talk radio in 2025, declaring its traditional ratings system broken and irrelevant.

With decades of experience in the industry, Patrick’s assessment carries weight, highlighting a seismic shift in how success is measured in sports media—a shift that legacy platforms like terrestrial radio are struggling to navigate.

Patrick didn’t mince words when discussing the disconnect between traditional radio metrics and the modern media landscape. “I never really looked at, like, [Pat] McAfee with YouTube,” he said. 

“Those numbers, that’s really all that matters. I’ve been with terrestrial radio all my life, and you keep thinking of those ratings, those ratings, those ratings. Now? Nobody cares about that. They care about social media, what went viral, the number of people watching clips.” 

He pointed to the success of shows like Pardon My Take and The Pat McAfee Show, which have mastered the art of generating viral moments and dominating platforms like YouTube and TikTok. In today’s media ecosystem, it’s not about how many listeners tune in live—it’s about how many share, comment, and engage with content afterward.

The shift from audience size to shareability has left traditional sports radio in a precarious position. The old ratings model, often opaque and rooted in outdated methodologies, no longer reflects what drives influence or revenue. Patrick admitted to feeling lost in this new reality, unsure of how his own show is evaluated. 

“I still don’t even know,” he said. “They just tell me. One day they’re going to say, ‘Hey, come here, bring your playbook, you’re done.’ And it could be something random like that. We’ll be in a market and they’ll go, ‘You’re killing it, but they want to go local.’ And I’ll go, ‘What does that mean?’ So then you’re not an affiliate in Portland, Maine. Meanwhile, you thought you were doing great in Portland, Maine.”

Patrick’s frustration extends beyond the metrics themselves to the people interpreting them. He took aim at radio executives and decision-makers, many of whom, he argued, lack the hands-on experience to understand the realities of the job. 

“I don’t like being beholden to that because, face it, you have a lot of people who are in radio who [are] your bosses, who probably haven’t done radio,” he said. “And I think it’s unfair, sometimes, when they project what you should be doing or, why aren’t you doing, or why didn’t you ask? When you’re in the chair and there are live bullets, it’s just different.” 

For Patrick, the disconnect between talent and management is stark—decisions made in boardrooms by those who’ve never had to fill dead air or handle the unpredictability of live broadcasting often feel arbitrary and out of touch.

R.I.P.: John Lyon, Longtime D.C. Radio Host

John Lyon (1940-2025)

John Lyon, a beloved WMAL radio host in Washington, D.C., for 22 years, passed away at 85, his family confirmed. 

His career coincided with his family’s private search for answers in the 1975 disappearance of his daughters, Sheila, 12, and Katherine, 10, last seen at Wheaton Plaza, Maryland, during Easter vacation.

“He was a great father and role model,” said his son, Jay Lyon, in a WTOP interview. 

“The reality is still sinking in.”

Known for his cheerful presence on WMAL’s “middle of the road” (later adult contemporary) format, Lyon was a versatile broadcaster. 

“He could sing, entertain, and was a great disc jockey,” said former colleague Tom Gauger in a 2017 WTOP podcast, “The Investigation Continues: Lyon Sisters.” Lyon also performed with his band, The Gross National Product, and often brought his children, and later grandchildren, to WMAL’s studios in Bethesda and Northwest D.C. 

John Lyon's Daughters

“This was his dream job,” Jay said.

In March 1975, Lyon’s life was upended when his daughters vanished, a tragedy that gripped the D.C. area. “It sucked the air out of WMAL and the entire metro area,” recalled former colleague Gary Reals.

Despite the ordeal, Lyon continued his radio career with grace until 1990, when WMAL shifted to a talk format.

In 2017, Lloyd Lee Welch pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree felony murder in the deaths of Sheila and Katherine Lyon in Bedford, Virginia. He is serving a 48-year sentence at Nottoway Correctional Center, though the girls’ bodies were never found. Lyon’s wife, Mary, died in June 2024.

“Living with that notoriety and maintaining his career, I don’t know how he did it,” Jay said.

Milwaukee Radio: Market Vet Jon Adler Is Back On-Air

Veteran Milwaukee radio host Jon Adler returns to the air on July 14, nearly four months after leaving WLUM-FM (102.1). 

Jon Adler

Radio Milwaukee (WYMS-FM 88.9) announced Adler will host its weekday evening show from 6 to 10 p.m. and serve as assistant program director. 

Previously, program director Kenny Perez hosted the evening slot. Adler will also host the station’s request show, "Let's Hear It!", Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon, starting August 2. 

Adler, originally from Manitowoc, was let go from WLUM in March after nearly 20 years, where he hosted the morning show since 2006. Before WLUM, he worked at WMMM-FM and WISC-TV in Madison. Radio Milwaukee also named Maggie Corry, former membership and development leader (2016-2022), as deputy executive director.

L-A Radio: KKGO Adds Syndicated Backstage Country To Line-Up

Key Networks and Beasley Media Group announce that Backstage Country, Country music’s fastest-growing nationally syndicated program, debuts tonight on the show’s newest affiliate, Go Country 105 FM (KKGO-FM) in Los Angeles. The show will air on Go Country 105 FM Monday through Friday from 7:00pm-Midnight.

Backstage Country is hosted by an all-star lineup of today’s hottest Country artists and is co-hosted by award-winning Nashville-based Country radio personality Elaina Smith. Kicking off Backstage Country’s premiere week in Los Angeles is guest host and Country’s LOCASH.

Saul Levine, President and General Manager, KKGO-FM, said: "Backstage Country will be a fantastic addition to our line-up! Elaina Smith has great star power and fantastic rapport with today's Country Mega-stars."

Elaina Smith

Dennis Green, Chief Operating Officer, Key Networks commented: “We couldn’t be more thrilled to bring Country radio’s only show featuring the top Country artists as hosts every week to Los Angeles and Go Country. Add to that our co-host, the talented Elaina Smith, and it’s the perfect combination to bring listeners the music and stories they want to hear from Nashville every night.”

John Shomby, Executive Producer, Backstage Country, remarked: “The whole crew is super excited to have the show on such a great radio station as GO Country. L.A., here we come!”

Now heard on 80 U.S. radio stations and in 28 of the top 50 DMA markets, Backstage Country is hosted each week by today’s hottest Country artists, sharing exclusive backstage insights and giving listeners a VIP all-access pass to today’s most exciting Country music and entertainment

Backstage Country is available in multiple dayparts on a market-exclusive basis from Key Networks.

The four-hour localized Country music entertainment program offers Country stations and their listeners unmatched access to Nashville’s biggest Country music stars, rising stars, and new artists, and showcases the best of Country music in a highly entertaining and PPM-friendly format. Backstage Country is available to stations Monday-Friday via FTP delivery. The show is customized to air anywhere in a station’s lineup between 6am-Midnight – Mornings, Middays, Afternoons or Nights. In addition, fans can get the latest news, interviews, music and more on-air and through the show’s website, https://backstagecountry.com/.

To bring Backstage Country and Nashville’s hottest Country stars to your market, visit: www.keynetworks.com or contact Dennis Green, Chief Operating Officer, Key Networks, at 844.KEY.NETS or dennis@keynetworks.com. For advertisers and sponsors, contact Ron Russo, President of Sales, Key-United, at rrusso@key-united.com.

Fox and Friends Sharply Criticize Trump

Fox News hosts sharply criticized President Donald Trump’s ongoing dismissal of the administration’s Jeffrey Epstein controversy over the weekend, labeling it a growing crisis. 

On “Fox & Friends Weekend,” anchor Kevin Corke called the situation a “ticking time bomb” in response to co-host Charles Hurt’s claim that Trump’s team could resolve the issue definitively.

Hurt argued, “If anyone could step in and say, ‘We’ve answered all questions, there’s nothing here,’ it would be Trump and his team.” But he acknowledged, “You can’t do that without an explanation, and people still have valid questions.”

Corke interjected, urging transparency: “You defuse this time bomb by getting out there. You can’t tell me a thousand people were harmed and no one can be arrested. If there’s no list, fine—tell us who the perpetrators were. Depose everyone who might have been on that island. Let’s talk to them.” 

He added, “There are videos from New Mexico, the island, New York—and nobody saw anything? I don’t buy it. They need to face the fire.”

“Ticking time bomb”: Trump’s favorite show, Fox & Friends, criticizes his handling of the Epstein files. pic.twitter.com/GQqjbcyHA1

— Molly Ploofkins (@Mollyploofkins) July 13, 2025

A similar sentiment aired on “Mediabuzz” Sunday, where host Howard Kurtz noted that many MAGA voters feel betrayed by Trump’s refusal to release Epstein-related information. Guest Sarah Bedford called it “a huge PR disaster for the Trump administration,” adding, “There’s no way to spin their way out of this.”

AG Pam Bondi Backlash Persists

MAGA supporters are frustrated with President Donald Trump for his staunch defense of Attorney General Pam Bondi, whose Department of Justice claimed no Jeffrey Epstein client list exists, despite years of promises from Trump allies to expose the disgraced financier’s secrets.

Over the weekend, conservative supporters voiced their discontent on social media and at a Florida convention, insisting the Epstein scandal “won’t go away.” 

The DOJ ruled Epstein’s 2019 death a suicide and stated no list of elite clients linked to his history of sexual misconduct exists.Retired Lt. Gen. Mike Flynn, Trump’s former national security advisor, posted on X Saturday: “@realDonaldTrump, the EPSTEIN AFFAIR isn’t fading. If the administration doesn’t address the unanswered questions about Epstein, especially the ABUSE OF CHILDREN BY ELITES, tackling other national challenges becomes harder.”

A joint DOJ-FBI memo, obtained by Fox News last week, declared no further information on Epstein’s case or death would be released, prompting FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino to criticize Bondi for “lack of transparency” and threaten resignation, per Fox News Digital.

🚨 “A source tells Fox News tonight that FBI deputy director Dan Bongino has not been seen in the office since Wednesday after a heated argument with AG Pam Bondi at the White House” over the Epstein Files, reports @aishahhasnie and @davidspunt pic.twitter.com/SoTGQvAgE2

— TV News Now (@TVNewsNow) July 11, 2025

Epstein, a convicted predator who pleaded guilty in 2008 to procuring underage girls for prostitution, was arrested again in 2019 on federal sex trafficking charges. Found dead in his NYC jail cell in August 2019, his apparent suicide sparked widespread conspiracy theories among MAGA supporters, who allege a cover-up to protect elites tied to his crimes.

Trump defended Bondi on Truth Social Saturday evening, writing, “Attorney General Pam Bondi is doing a FANTASTIC JOB. We’re one Team, MAGA, and I don’t like what’s happening.” He dismissed the Epstein focus, calling him “the guy who never dies” and questioning why attention was given to “Files written by Obama, Crooked Hillary, Comey, Brennan, and the Losers and Criminals of the Biden administration.”

Kristi Noem, MTP Anchor Clash over Alligator Alcatraz

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem Sunday staunchly defended the Trump administration’s new migrant detention center in the Florida Everglades, nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz,” during a heated appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press. The interview followed Democratic lawmakers’ claims that the facility is a humanitarian disaster.

In a sharp exchange with anchor Kristen Welker, Noem accused Democrats of hypocrisy and political posturing after their congressional tour of the center sparked allegations of inhumane treatment and deplorable conditions. “I wish they’d said that during the Biden administration,” Noem retorted as Welker pressed her on reports of overcrowded cells and contaminated water. 

“They were stacking people on cement floors with no room to move. They never spoke up then, and this political theater needs to stop.”The confrontation came a day after Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz and other Democrats visited the facility, likening it to an internment camp. “The conditions are vile and disturbing—this place is a stunt and must be shut down,” Wasserman Schultz told reporters. 

Lawmakers reported over 30 migrants crammed into cage-like cells with only three combination sink-toilets, mid-80s temperatures in medical tents, and rampant insects. Detainees were heard shouting, “I’m an American citizen!” and chanting “Libertad!” (Spanish for “freedom”).

Welker challenged Noem: “Thirty people in a single cell? Drinking water from the same place they use the bathroom?” Noem, unfazed, responded, “Our federal detention centers meet higher standards than most state or local facilities, even federal prisons. This state-run facility exceeds those requirements.”

She added, “I’ve been there. These are secure cells that meet the government’s highest detention standards.”When Welker noted Democrats’ description of the cells as “cages,” Noem revealed that the administration would soon allow cameras inside the facility to address the controversy.

Billionaire George Soros Funding the Anti-Billionaire Candidate

While there is no direct evidence that Audacy Media or its principals are linked to George Soros’ Open Society Foundations (OSF) in supporting Zohran Mamdani’s 2025 NYC mayoral campaign. However, claims about Soros and OSF backing Mamdani have circulated, primarily tied to funding for progressive groups like the Working Families Party (WFP), which endorsed Mamdani.

Zohran Mamdani: A 33-year-old democratic socialist and New York State Assemblymember, Mamdani won the Democratic primary for NYC mayor in June 2025, defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo. 

His campaign focused on affordability, proposing free buses, rent freezes, and higher taxes on the wealthy.

George Soros, a billionaire philanthropist, founded Open Society Foundations which funds progressive causes globally. OSF has supported various left-leaning organizations in the U.S., including those tied to political campaigns, though direct candidate contributions are restricted by law.

Published reports claim that OSF indirectly funneled significant funds to groups supporting Mamdani, particularly the WFP, which played a key role in his primary victory:

A New York Post article states that OSF provided over $37 million to the WFP and nine other left-wing groups (e.g., Community Voices Heard, MoveOn, Jewish Voice for Peace Action) that backed Mamdani through endorsements and get-out-the-vote efforts. The WFP alone received $23.7 million from OSF since 2016 via its nonprofit arm, Working Families Organization Inc.

Another report from the National Legal and Policy Center suggests OSF and Soros’ Democracy PAC contributed over $10 million to Mamdani’s campaign through a “pass-through donation scheme,” including $2 million to the WFP between January 2023 and August 2024.

There is no specific mention in the provided sources or broader records of Audacy Media or its principals or other executives directly engaging with Soros, OSF, or Mamdani’s campaign. 

However: A separate Fox News report notes that Soros’ OSF donated $18 million to Our American Future Action, a group tied to a nonprofit that paid a $40,000 fellowship salary to Laura Gillen, a 2024 Democratic House candidate in New York. This suggests Soros’ funding extends to other progressive candidates but does not mention Audacy or Mamdani directly.

Audacy’s ownership of radio stations could amplify political narratives, but no evidence suggests it actively supported Mamdani or coordinated with OSF. Any connection may be speculative, possibly conflating Soros’ media investments (e.g., his 2024 purchase of a stake in Audacy’s debt during its bankruptcy) with political activity.

Mamdani’s allies, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and the NYC Democratic Socialists of America, argue his grassroots campaign reflects a broad coalition, not billionaire control. His policies align with progressive groups OSF funds, but this is standard for left-leaning campaigns.

While George Soros’ Open Society Foundations indirectly supported Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral campaign through significant funding to the Working Families Party, there is no substantiated link to Audacy Media or its principals. Mamdani’s campaign benefited from a robust grassroots effort and public funding, but critics highlight his reliance on Soros-backed organizations as inconsistent with his anti-billionaire rhetoric. Without further evidence, any Audacy connection appears speculative.

Soros, through his investment firm Soros Fund Management, became a major player in Audacy, the second-largest radio broadcaster in the U.S., which owns over 220 stations across 40 markets, reaching an estimated 165 million listeners monthly. 

In January 2024, Audacy filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to restructure its crippling $1.9 billion debt. Soros Fund Management swooped in, acquiring roughly $415 million of Audacy’s senior debt—about 40% of the total—at a discount, positioning it as the largest shareholder in the restructured company. By September 2024 during the Biden Administrtion, the FCC approved the transfer of Audacy’s broadcast licenses to this new, post-bankruptcy entity, with Soros Fund Management holding significant equity through a debt-for-stock swap. 

The Fund for Policy Reform, a nonprofit tied to Soros and governed by a board including his son Alexander, is a key player in this deal.

Nielsen Data Realigns Media Effectiveness Ranker

Radio is no stranger to being undervalued, as industry research notes that advertisers continue to underestimate radio's usage. Now, global data from Nielsen sheds light on even more marketer misperceptions about radio - this time about its effectiveness, and sets the record straight with actual ROI benchmarks.

📻RADIO IS WRONGLY UNDERESTIMATED - AND NIELSEN CAN PROVE IT

Nielsen's Global Annual Marketing Survey asked marketers about their perceived media effectiveness. And, unfortunately (for the industry and for the surveyed marketers) radio came in last place - behind all measured traditional and digital media types. This means advertisers are likely overlooking and underinvesting in a truly impactful medium, to the potential detriment of brand health. Because, according to Nielsen's global ROI benchmarks, radio delivers the second highest return for advertisers - ahead of nearly every other measured media. With actual ROI data in place of perceptions, the effectiveness ranker gets turned on its head.

Perceived Effectiveness

Actual ROI

Re-sorting Nielsen's ROI benchmarks to show a new, true effectiveness ranker reveals radio's rightful place - towards the very top. Second only to social media, radio delivers higher returns for advertisers than all other traditional media. While radio is perceived to be less effective than digital media, it delivers an ROI +30% higher than video and display, and +70% higher than search and CTV.

➤For more information from Nielsen.

FCC Chairman Deletes Net Neutrality Rules

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has spearheaded the deletion of net neutrality rules as part of a broader initiative to streamline and reduce the agency’s regulatory framework. 

The eliminated rules, which had not yet taken effect, aimed to reclassify broadband internet service providers as common carriers under Title II of the Communications Act. This reclassification would have subjected internet providers to stricter oversight, ensuring equal treatment of all internet traffic and prohibiting practices like throttling or paid prioritization.

The decision follows a federal appeals court ruling that had already struck down these net neutrality protections, rendering them legally unenforceable. Despite this, the rules remained in the FCC’s records until their formal removal. Advocates for net neutrality, however, retain the option to escalate the matter to the U.S. Supreme Court for further review, potentially reigniting the long-standing debate over internet regulation.

Matt Wood, General Counsel for Free Press, a prominent net neutrality advocacy group, sharply criticized the FCC’s action. He described the deletion as a “premature housekeeping step” executed without prior notice or public consultation. Wood argued that the move serves to “score points with broadband monopolies and their lobbyists,” accusing the FCC of prioritizing the interests of large internet service providers over consumers and smaller competitors. He emphasized that the abrupt removal undermines the transparency and due process typically expected in regulatory changes.

The decision reflects ongoing tensions between deregulation proponents, who argue that excessive oversight stifles innovation and burdens providers, and net neutrality advocates, who contend that such rules are essential to maintaining an open and equitable internet. By removing these rules, the FCC under Carr’s leadership signals a continued shift toward a lighter regulatory touch, aligning with broader efforts to reduce the agency’s footprint in telecommunications policy.

The development is likely to spark renewed debate over the future of internet governance, particularly as stakeholders assess the implications for competition, consumer protections, and access to digital services. While the rules’ prior invalidation by the appeals court limits immediate practical impacts, the FCC’s action could influence future regulatory approaches and shape the legal landscape pending any Supreme Court challenge.

ELO Cancels Final Show Due To Illness

Jeff Lynne, the 77-year-old frontman of Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), canceled what was intended to be the band's final performance at the BST Hyde Park festival in London Sunday, due to a "systemic infection." 

This concert was meant to conclude ELO's "Over and Out" farewell tour, marking the end of the band's 55-year legacy. 

Lynne, who has been battling health issues, including a recent hand injury from a taxi incident that prevented him from playing guitar at earlier shows in Birmingham, expressed deep regret over the cancellation. In a statement, he said he was "heartbroken" and emphasized that the legacy of the band and its fans were foremost in his mind, but his doctors advised that performing was not possible, and the show could not be rescheduled.

The cancellation followed another last-minute cancellation in Manchester on July 10, 2025, also due to illness, which left fans concerned about Lynne's health after he appeared frail and needed assistance leaving the stage at a prior performance. 

Despite these setbacks, Lynne has indicated that while this marks the end of ELO's touring, he plans to return to studio work, stating, "This is not a farewell to music. I am excited to return to the studio full-time, which is what I love!"

ELO, originally formed in 1970 by Lynne, Roy Wood, and Bev Bevan, is known for hits like "Mr. Blue Sky" and sold over 50 million records during its initial run. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017. 

Lynne reformed the group as Jeff Lynne's ELO in 2014 with keyboardist Richard Tandy, who passed away in 2024, making Lynne the last original member. 

Fans have expressed support and concern online, wishing Lynne a speedy recovery while lamenting the abrupt end to the farewell tour. Ticket holders for the Hyde Park show are being refunded, with further details provided by their ticket agents.

Justin Bieber Settles with Scooter Braun for $31.5M

Bieber, Braun

Justin Bieber and his former manager Scooter Braun have reached a significant financial settlement, resolving disputes that lingered after their professional split in 2023. 

The pop superstar, now 31 and a father to 10-month-old son Jack Blues with wife Hailey Bieber, has agreed to pay Braun a total of $31.5 million to settle outstanding debts tied to their past business dealings.

The settlement includes a $26 million payment to cover an advance Braun and his company, HYBE, had provided for Bieber’s canceled 2022 Justice world tour. 

E! News reports sources indicate that Braun’s team fronted the funds, which Bieber and his associates were obligated to repay to touring company AEG Presents after the tour’s cancellation.

Additionally, Bieber will pay $5.5 million to cover unpaid commissions owed to Braun, bringing the total payout to $31.5 million. 

The settlement comes shortly after Braun, who discovered Bieber on YouTube in 2007 when the singer was just 12, spoke candidly about their evolving relationship. During a June 2025 episode of the Diary of a CEO podcast, Braun acknowledged that their once-tight bond has changed. 

The $31.5 million settlement closes a chapter in one of music’s most storied partnerships, which propelled Bieber from a teenage YouTube sensation to a global pop icon.

Radio History: July 14

➦In 1917...Douglas Edwards born (Died at age 73 – October 13, 1990). He anchored CBS's first network nightly television news broadcast from 1947–1962, which was later to be titled CBS Evening News.

Douglas Edwards

Edwards joined CBS Radio in 1942, eventually becoming anchor for the regular evening newscast The World Today as well as World News Today on Sunday afternoons. Edwards came to CBS, after stints as a newscaster and announcer at WSB in Atlanta, Georgia and WXYZ in Detroit, Michigan.

In the mid-1940s, Edwards was host of the radio program Behind the Scenes at CBS.

In 1947, as CBS's top correspondents and commentators shunned the fledgling medium of television, Edwards was chosen to present regular CBS television news programs and to host CBS's television coverage of the 1948 Democratic and Republican conventions. The term "anchor" would not be used until 1952, when CBS News chief Sig Mikelson would use it to describe Walter Cronkite's role in the network's political convention coverage.

At first, Edwards would be eclipsed by John Cameron Swayze of NBC News's Camel News Caravan, but he would eventually regain his ratings lead. By the mid-1950s, the nightly 15-minute newscast Douglas Edwards with the News was watched by nearly 30 million viewers.

Edwards' last newscast on the evening news was on April 13, 1962. Edwards was replaced by Walter Cronkite, and the program became Walter Cronkite with the News. On September 2, 1963, the program was retitled CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite and became the first half-hour weeknight news broadcast of network television and was moved to 6:30 p.m. .

Edwards subsequently moved back to CBS Radio, where he delivered the network's flagship evening newscasts The World Tonight for many years.

➦In 1927...NBC newsman John Chancellor was born in Chicago. He spent most of his career with NBC News. He served as anchor of the NBC Nightly News from 1970 to 1982 and continued to do editorials and commentaries for NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw until 1993.

During the 1976 election he introduced the concept of Red and Blue states, which survives to this day.

He died of stomach cancer July 12 1996, two days shy of his 69th birthday.

➦In 1957…Master satirist Stan Freberg debuted a new weekly comedy program on CBS Radio Network in the time slot previously occupied by Jack Benny.